Tenant Rights and Responsibilities in Tennessee: A Guide for New Renters

In Tennessee, tenants have several key rights including: the right to a habitable living space, protection against illegal discrimination, proper notice before landlord entry (typically 24 hours except in emergencies), security deposit protection (which must be returned within 30 days after move-out), and protection against retaliatory actions by landlords. Tennessee follows the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) in most major counties, which provides additional tenant protections.

Tennessee state law does not set a specific limit on how much landlords can charge for security deposits. However, the amount should be reasonable and clearly stated in your lease agreement. Landlords must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out, along with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

In Tennessee, landlords must provide notice before increasing rent, but the specific timeframe depends on your lease terms. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must typically provide at least 30 days' written notice before implementing a rent increase. For fixed-term leases, rent generally cannot be increased until the lease term ends, unless the lease specifically allows for increases during the term.

In Tennessee, landlords must generally provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering your rental property for non-emergency reasons such as repairs or showing the unit to prospective tenants. They may enter without notice in genuine emergencies. Your lease may specify additional entry terms, but cannot completely eliminate your right to reasonable privacy and notice.

In Tennessee, landlords must follow specific legal procedures for eviction: (1) provide proper written notice (typically 14 days for non-payment of rent, 30 days for lease violations); (2) file an eviction lawsuit (detainer warrant) if tenant doesn't comply; (3) attend a court hearing where both parties can present their case; (4) if the landlord wins, obtain a court order for eviction. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Tennessee.

Tennessee landlords must maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, including: maintaining structural elements, ensuring functioning plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, providing working smoke detectors, addressing pest infestations, and making timely repairs that affect health and safety. In counties where the URLTA applies, these responsibilities are explicitly defined by law. Tenants should report maintenance issues promptly and in writing.

Tennessee generally does not allow tenants to withhold rent if repairs aren't made. Instead, you should: (1) document the issue with photos and written notices; (2) send formal repair requests in writing; (3) contact local code enforcement if the issue violates housing codes; (4) consider filing a lawsuit for breach of the warranty of habitability; or (5) in extreme cases, claim constructive eviction. Some Tennessee counties under URLTA may have additional remedies available.

In Tennessee, the notice required before moving out depends on your lease type. For fixed-term leases, you generally don't need to provide notice if you're leaving at the end of the lease term, but your lease may require 30-60 days' notice of your intention not to renew. For month-to-month tenancies, you must provide at least 30 days' written notice before moving out. Failing to give proper notice may result in additional rent liability.

Tennessee does not have rent control laws. Landlords can generally charge whatever amount the market will bear for rent and can increase rent upon lease renewal or, with proper notice, during month-to-month tenancies. The only limitations on rent increases would be those specified in your lease agreement or if increases are implemented in a discriminatory manner.